Meg Tucker has written an article (see below) about her grand uncle, Arnold Logan who was killed in action during the First World War - Killed near Ypres on April 26, 1916.

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He was a member of the Muncee-Delaware Nation, one of the first one hundred to enlist in the Canadian military in St. Thomas Ontario.

Family members got together April 24th, 2016 for a memorial tributeat the Muncee-Delaware Community Centre.

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(Sunday, April 24, the nieces and nephews of Arnold Logan gathered at the Muncee-Delaware Community Centre to pay their respects to their uncle who was killed in action in World War I on April 26, 1916. (more text to follow)

Arnold Logan was born at home on the Muncee-Delaware Nation, near MiddlemissOntario on August 6, 1896. Arnold’s parents were Scobia and Isabelle Logan. He had two brothers, Willis and Alonzo and a sister, Alma Logan, as well as a half-brother Fred Deluche.

Arnold and his siblings attended school at the Mount Elgin Industrial Institute, a residential school located a few miles from their home on the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation.

The names of Arnold, Willis, Fred and Alma Logan are inscribed on the monument forsurvivors, located on the site of the former school.

When War was declared, on August 4, 1914, Arnold Logan was nineteen years old and he and his friend Ernest Biggs enlisted soon after. Both of the young men worked as railroad firemen and belonged to the St. Thomas Rifle Association. One can imagine their enthusiasm to join up and experience the worldly events that awaited. They would become part of the first one hundred to enlist from St. Thomas in the 1st Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces in what would later be known as World War I.

At the time of deployment, Arnold was employed by the Pere Marquette Railroad. Arnold’s brothers Willis and Alonzo remained working for the Pere Marquette Railroad for the remainder of the war. After volunteering, Arnold was among ninety-nine other recruits who would have to pass a rigorous physical exam administered by Lt. –Col Guest, AMC. Of the ninety-nine volunteers, twenty-five had to be turned away, including some experienced soldiers who had served in South Africa. In addition, several volunteers were struck at the request of their parents, who assured the examiners that their lads were underage. According to the St. Thomas Daily Times, dated August, 1914, the following quote was related, The most perfectly formed man so far examined by Dr. Guest appears to be Arnold Logan, an Indian from Muncey, at present firing on the Pere Marquette. He is said to be very popularamong his fellow railway men and in build and physical condition is said by Dr. Guest to be a perfect model of a man.

Furthermore, the newspaper reported that the newly enlisted men would be sent to “Ottawa and then on to Quebec (Valcartier), by the 14th or 15th, of the month, (August)” where they would be “outfitted and kept together as much as possible.”Valcartier, Quebec would serve as a training ground for Canadian troops beforeembarking on their overseas adventure. Upon their arrival, Arnold and Ernest would have been disappointed to find that Camp Valcartier was still in the beginning stages of being made habitable. “Camp Valcartier was something of a disappointment. ‘It was absolutely breaking new ground,… There was nothing there at all. The brush had to be cut down. There was no latrine, there was nothing.” (1) Vast numbers of men were pouring into Valcartier by the trainload. The challenge was to accommodate and organize the men into battalions and brigades. By September 2, 1914, themen were organized into sixteen revamped battalions, in four brigades. “ The First Brigade was entirely from Ontario and comprised of the 1st (Western Ontario), 2nd (Eastern Ontario),3rd (Toronto), and 4th (Central Ontario) battalions.” (2) During the next few weeks, the recruits were being gradually outfitted and equipped for combat. “At the suggestion of the War Office in London, the Canadians were to be shipped to England at the earliest opportunity, for training supervised by British professionals.”

(3) By the end of September, the first Canadian contingent were making preparations to sail to England. “The Canadian government chartered thirty-one ships of various sizes, and loading of these vessels began the last week of September: equipment first, then men and horses… The convoy sailed on Saturday, 3 October. … The twelve day journey was pleasant enough.” (4) The convoy reached Plymouth Harbour on October 14th , 1914. Upon arrival at Plymouth, the Canadians were greeted with great enthusiasm. By Monday, October 19th, the Canadians reached Salisbury Plain.

(5) Salisbury Plain proved to be among the most challenging of places in regards to the weather conditions. “Rain fell on eighty-nine of the next 123 days at Salisbury. The precipitation, accompanied by cold, violent winds that compounded everyone’s misery, was double the thirty-two-year average in this part of southern England. Below a few inches of poor topsoil was a solid block of chalk, which provided little drainage for the record rainfall, and Salisbury Plain turned into a vast pool of mud. ”

(6) How Arnold spent his first Christmas away from home in Canada remains unknown. Ernest Biggs may have spent Christmas close by at his relative’s residence in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. According to historical accounts, “Christmas was a time of mixed feelings for the men …,(7) as it was for everyone in the Canadian contingent. Many Canadian-born soldiers were spending their first Christmas away from their families, but the British-born troops were close to home and able to takeadvantage of it. All soldiers were granted six days leave at either Christmas or New Years with a free train ticket to anywhere in Britain.” (8) By early February, both Arnold and Ernest were anticipating taking their departure from the mud of Salisbury Plain for France, as revealed in a letter written on February 5, 1915.

Ernest Biggs and Arnold Logan wrote a letter to Captain R.J. Miller describing theirexperience upon leaving Salisbury Plain. The article and letter was published in the St.Thomas Daily Times Newspaper dated February 25, 1915. Capt. R.J. Miller received the following letter from E.W. Biggs and Arnold Logan, two St. Thomas Rifle Association boys with the Canadian expeditionary force now in Europe. PrivateBiggs, No. 6151, and Private Logan, No. 6159, are with the machine gun section, First Infantry Brigade, C. E. F…“Dear Captain: We were both glad to get your letter and we also thank you kindly for the Mexican luck charms you sent us. We have both hung them around our necks with our identification discs, we hope that they will turn the German bullets and bayonets. By the time you get this we will be in France on our way to the front, and I tell you we are glad to get out of the mud of Salisbury Plain. We are driving the ammunition wagon and of course ride the horses. We rode eleven miles last night and every bone in our bodies was sore and stiff. We can hardly walk yet. We have a nice team and carry the ammunition for the machine guns only. We got the Webb equipment in place of the Oliver a few days ago and now look like real soldiers. We also have a good pair of English shoes … “We were told that we would leave here Wednesday the 12th (February 1915) at 2 a.m. . I am sending you a small photo of myself. Arnold can’t get his taken for the English cameras won’t stand the strain. This one was taken when I was soaking wet so it don’t look very good. I might say that we were only soaked on theoutside as we are still teetotalers. Remember us to all the rifle boys with best wishes. Sincerely yours, E. W. BIGGS, ARNOLD LOGON (LOGAN).

On May 19, 1915, a St. Thomas Daily Times published an article which incorrectlyreported that Arnold and Ernest had been captured and presumed to be prisoners of war. Captain R. J. Miller reported that he received letters on a regular basis until the engagement near Ypres. Captain R.J. Miller reported the following: That Arnold Logan and Ernest Biggs, two St. Thomas men with the first contingent, are prisoners of war is the opinion of R. J. Miller, captain of the St. Thomas Rifle Association.Captain Miller bases his belief in the report of the official eye-witness and the fact that the tow (two) men have not been heard from for some time. The two were transferred to the machine gun section of the first battalion and were in the thick of the fighting near Ypres. The eyewitness declared that the machine gun section was captured when the Germans charged. Later the guns were retaken by the British after a magnificent counter attack but the gunners were then in the hands of the Germans. No word has come from either since the engagement nor have their names appeared in the casualty list. Capt. Miller had been receiving letter regularly upuntil the time of the engagement. Arnold Logan is an Indian and a strong and muscular man of perfect physique. While in the city he was employed as a fireman on the Michigan Central …Ernest Biggs was also a Michigan Central fireman and a chum of Logan’s. His relatives live near the Salisbury training camp. Both are members of the St. Thomas Rifle Association.

Fortunately, the report of capture was false, however, Arnold received a shrapnel wound to his ear during the Battle of Langemark as reported on June 10, 1915 by the St. Thomas Daily Times. Arnold wrote a letter to his brother Willis and revealed that he had been hit, but was not seriously injured.

A letter received recently by Willis Logan, Pere Marquette fireman, 14 Wawa street, from Arnold Logan, one of the St. Thomas men in the machine gun section of the 1st Battalian, discredits the reports here recently of the capture of men by the enemy. Gunner Logan wrote the letter just after the battle of Langemarck, and while he did not come out of the battle unscathed, still he was not seriously injured. One shell burst only four feet from him, killing a man who stood between him and the missile. Parts of the shell struck him in the back and his ear was also cut by flying metal, but he was not seriously injured. In fact he did not leave the firing line, but continued serving his machine gune (gun). He is still on the firing line.

Ernest Biggs also confirmed Arnold’s injury in a June 28, 1915 St. Thomas Daily Timesarticle titled, “PTE. Arnold Logan cut by shrapnel, PTE. Biggs Writes. In addition, he revealed some tragic moments that must have had an impact on his personal well-being. Still he writes as though he is hopeful. Capt. R. J. Miller received the following letter from E.W. Biggs, a member of the St. Thomas Rifle Association now at the front. Pte. E. W. Biggs is No. 6151, machine gun section, first battalion, first infantry brigade C. E. F…I was very much pleased to receive your letter yesterday. I had written you some time back but the letter must have got lost, I hope thisone will go through all right. Was glad to hear that the rifle association had got to work again and would like to be with you all again, but of course we get plenty of rifle practice these days and I must say we make hits occasionally to judge from the howls that the Germans make. Arnold and I were driving for the machine gun but I have been transferred back to the section again. We had a most severe thunder storm today, as bad a storm as I ever saw, ‘what with the thunder and lightning boom of big guns and the bursting of shells together with rifle fire I tell you it was fierce. One of the horses I was driving was hit with a piece of shell the other day. Ihad just finished rubbing him down when the shell hit him. I took him to the vet. And he cut the piece out and I am keeping it as a relic. A shell fell amongst us a little while ago killing one man and wounding some more and Arnold Logan got cut up a little. The poor fellow who was killed was buried in the afternoon and next morning his horse died. It had been wounded by the same shell and had bled internally without anyone noticing the trouble. “Well captain, I must quit now as time is short for writing. I hope you make out good with your new rifle… With kindest regards to all the boys and yourself. “Sincerely yours, “E. W. Biggs.”

What happened during the following year, remains unknown. Whether, Ernest Biggs’sletter writing to Captain R.J. Miller continued during this time is unknown and one that deserves further research. Perhaps the letters were not as newsworthy during this time and readers were no longer enthused about reading news from the front lines of The Great War. After the Battle of Langemarck where Arnold was wounded, the war went on. Ernest Biggs had never disclosed the misery they had to endure while having to spend days living in the mud filled trenches.

On May 9, 1916, the St. Thomas Daily Times reported that Arnold Logan had been killed in action. No date was recorded, but we now know that he died on April 26, 1916.

Later on that year Ernest Biggs was badly wounded on June 13, 1916, at the Battle of the Marne. In a letter written to Capt. R. J. Miller dated June 24, 1916, the St. Thomas newspaper published the letter that reveals his steadfastness following Arnold’s death. I am sorry, captain that I was unable to get you a flower from poor Arnold’s grave. We hadbeen together constantly until the day he was killed and I was not there when he was hit. I am glad to report that he never suffered, as he was killed outright. I saw him after he was dead.

There were eight men on the same gun with Arnold, and seven were killed and the eighth lost his sight. I hope this war will be all over soon. It is awful. I had 18 months out there and it is plenty for me.

In the same letter, Ernest Biggs describes his injuries from his hospital bed in England.

Dartford War Hospital, Dartford, Kent, Eng., June 24, 1916.At last I am going to try and answer your letter of 22nd May so long neglected. I hope you are well as this leaves me as far as health goes, but the Germans have made a target of me at last.My right hand is mangled quite a bit, also my right ear and my right eye is badly injured, I am also deaf but think my hearing will come back again in time, but I got off very lucky considering all things. The shell burst right in front of me and buried me completely. That is all that saved my life as the dirt weakened the force of the explosion. I was stone blind for three days, but can see fairly well now. But why should I worry now that I am safe in England away from the storm of shot and shell. You cannot realize the relief…I was wounded June 13 and have been in England now four days. My God, how good to get away from the roar of cannon and shell. Give my best to friends of the Rifle Assn. It is showery here, but I have a roof over me now.It’s some job writing with left hand. Sincerely yours, E. W. BIGGS.

Arnold Logan was buried at the Hooge Crater Cemetary near the village of Zillebeke,which is located about 2 ½ miles from Ypres along the Menin Road. In April 1918, a statue depicting Arnold Logan was erected near the Anglican Church in Muncey. The Elgin Military Museum shared a photograph taken sometime during the 1970’s, that shows Ernest Biggs standing beside Arnold’s memorial statue in Muncey. The St.Thomas Times Journal dated April 30, 1918 repeated the inscription on the memorial that states “Arnold was the first Canadian Indian to fall in the Great War.”

According to Ernest Biggs’s obitutuary, he returned to Canada following the Great War and continued his work on the railroad and advanced to locomotive engineer on the New York Central Railway. Ernest was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Lord Elgin Branch 41 in St. Thomas. He was associated with the Broderick Memorial Baptist Church. He lived to be 95 years old. He died on December 28, 1986 at Elgin Manor. He had been married to Dorothy (Seymour) Biggs (1978). He was “survived by a son, Philip Biggs, of Tillsonburg, and three daughters, Mrs. Vera Kervin of Campbell River, B.C., Mrs. George (Marjorie) Crabbe, of 83 Lawton Ave. St. Thomas and Mrs. Walter (Lilian) Wishnousky of Toronto; a brother Fred in Australia; a sister, Rose in England; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Earnest Biggs was interned at the Elmdale Memorial Park in St.Thomas.

(note)Special thanks to all who helped with the research of this article: The Elgin Military Museum; The grand and great nieces and nephews of Arnold Logan: Judy McCallum; Reta Hart; Chief Roger Thomas and Jackie Thomas; Ian McCallum; Dr. Mary-Jane Logan McCallum; Julie Tucker;

WORKS CITEDArnold Logan is killed in action. One of the best specimens of manhood examined here went with first contingent. (1916, May 9). St.Thomas Daily Times,Dancocks, G., Daniel. Gallant Canadians: The story of the Tenth CanadianInfantry Battalian 1914 – 1919. Markham, ON: Penguin Books, 1990.Ernest Biggs. Obituary. (1986, December). St. Thomas Times Journal,Elgin’s contingent for overseas service are to be all physically fit before they go to Quebec. (1914, August ). St.Thomas Daily Times, p. 1PTE. Arnold Logan among the wounded. In a letter home he discredits stories of capture of the Canadians. (1915, June 10). St.Thomas Daily Times,PTE. Arnold Logan cut by shrapnel, PTE. Biggs writes. “We are getting lots of rifle practise here,” St.Thomas volunteer says. (1915, June 28). St.Thomas Daily Times,PTE. Biggs is badly wounded. But he finds it a great relief to be in hospital away from shot and shell. Letter from Pte. E.W. Biggs June 24, 1916. (1916, date unknown). St. Thomas Daily Times,St.Thomas boys were glad to quit Salisbury: Arnold Logan and W.E. Biggs rejoice in the possession of English boots. Letters from local volunteers received. Expected to leave muddy camp Feb. 12__Driving ammunition wagons. (1915, February, 25). St. Thomas Daily Times,Statue is erected to Arnold Logan. First Canadian Indian to fall in the Great War is given a striking testimonial. (1918, April 30). St. Thomas Daily Times,Two St.Thomas men in hands of Germans. Arnold Logan and E.W. Biggs are thought to be prisoners. Were with machine gun section of First. Former Michigan Central fireman in thick of fighting around Ypres. (1915, May 19). St.Thomas Daily Times,

- - -NB:On Sunday, April 24,2016 the nieces and nephews of Arnold Logan gathered at the Muncee-Delaware Community Centre to pay tribute to their uncle who was killed in World War I, on April 26th, 1916.

Several of the family members brought their photos and research information to share. In particular, Ian McCallum, who is currently completing a Masters degree in the Delaware language started his research while in grade thirteen. He showed a power point of vintage photos of St.Thomas, the Mount Elgin Institute, and the Pere Marquette rail yards. Next week, Judy and Graham McCallum will be visiting Belgium to visit Arnold's grave, which is located at the Hooge Crater Cemetery, a few miles from Ypre. Norma Logan-Richter is the eldest member of the family and was born in the 1920's and did not know her uncle. She had family stories to share and information about Arnold's sister Alma.

In addition, the monument dedicated to Arnold Logan is located close by at the Anglican Cemetery. The condition of the monument has deteriorated and the next project will be work towards restoring the monument.